3 min read
Introduction
One of the guarantees that you’ll endure while living life is that you will always, always experience stress at some point in your life. Stress, along with emotions, and other human qualities is what makes us, human.
What you must understand is that stress is something that is ultimately inevitable. You can never prevent it, because you will always experience stress. However, on the other hand, there are things that you can do to combat your stress.
In this short guide, I’ll show you what you can do to combat stress directly, and make it not your enemy, but also not your friend; but instead a neutral person that will neither affect him negatively, nor positively.
The Common Mistake
There are a few common mistakes that people make when dealing with stress that by all means, you should not be doing at all:
- Ignoring it: Pretending stress isn’t there or hoping it will go away on its own doesn’t work. At the end of the day, if the stress if there, the most important actions that you can take is recognizing its presence and knowing that in almost all cases, it’s in control of you; you aren’t the one in charge of it.
- Unhealthy coping: Some people try to deal with stress by eating lots of junk food, playing too many video games, or not getting enough sleep. These things might feel good in the moment, but they can make you feel worse in the long run.
- Overloading yourself: Taking on too much at once can be super stressful. Saying “yes” to everything isn’t always the best idea.
- Comparing yourself to others: Everyone deals with stress differently. Seeing what other people are doing and thinking you need to do the same can add extra pressure.
- Not asking for help: It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling stressed. Talking to a friend, family member, or even a counselor can make a big difference.
What You Should Do
Quick Physical Relief:
- Deep Breathing: This might sound simple, but it’s incredibly effective. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax different muscle groups in your body, slowly but surely. Start with your toes and work your way up.
- Short Burst of Exercise: Even a few minutes of jumping jacks, push-ups, or dancing can release endorphins and reduce stress.
- Cold Water Splash: Splashing cold water on your face can be invigorating and help you feel more alert.
Mental and Emotional Release:
- Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment. Try to notice your senses: what can you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch?
- Positive Affirmations: Tell yourself positive things like, “I can handle this,” or “I’m strong and capable.”
- Distraction: Engage in an activity you enjoy, like listening to music, reading a book, or playing a game.
- Humor: Watch a funny video, tell a joke, or spend time with someone who makes you laugh.
Environmental Changes:
- Change Your Surroundings: If possible, step outside or move to a different room to break up your routine.
- Tidy Up: A cluttered space can contribute to stress. Take a few minutes to tidy up your surroundings.
A Small Hack I Use To Relieve My Stress
If I ever want to relieve my stress as quick as possible, a technique I love using is doing chores or reading a book. I know, I know, it sounds crazy but it works like a charm.
Go to your kitchen, wash whatever dishes you have in your sink, wash and fold whatever clothes you have to wash, and read a physical book that you have in your house (even if it isn’t the most interesting one).
Conclusion
Stress if a trait that lot of us deal with on the constant. All of us have our preferences for how we deal with our stress, and at the end of the day, do what you feel suits you best. I have my choice of methods, and you should too. Other people might recommend to you deep breathing techniques, going for a walk, or anything else that works for you.
